baber/WOPTO huggingface dataset:
Patent JP-2001501498-A (JP)
IPC: A61B5/03
Filed: 1997-05-20
Abstract: PCT No. PCT/SE97/00826 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 7, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 7, 1998 PCT Filed May 20, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO97/43951 PCT Pub. Date Nov. 27, 1997A medical apparatus (1) for detecting changes in the cross section of an elongate body cavity, for example, a human urinary tract. The apparatus includes a retainer portion (60) and a sensor portion (10) connected to the retainer portion and having a sensitive body (30) of flexible material. The sensor portion has a first end portion which is fixed to the retainer device (60). The sensitive body is designed as a catheter-like device projecting from the retainer portion (60) and provided at its free end (17) with a rigid closure (37). The sensitive body is hollow and its cavity varies according to the compression of the sensitive body due to cross-sectional changes of the elongated body being examined. A pressure-sensing device indicates the pressure in the cavity and thus the cross sectional changes of the elongated body.
Patent JP-2001521513-A (JP)
Title: ２−アルキン酸エステルの製法
IPC: C07C67/00
Filed: 1998-04-07
Abstract: (57)【要約】
一般式（Ｉ）：Ｒ 1 −Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｃ≡Ｃ−Ｒ 2 （Ｉ）［式中、Ｒ 1 及びＲ 2 は独立してＣ 1 〜Ｃ 16 −アルキル基、Ｃ 6 〜Ｃ 12 −アリール基、Ｃ 7 〜Ｃ 12 −アラルキル基又はＣ 7 〜Ｃ 12 −アルカリール基であり、Ｒ 2 は水素であってもよい］の２−アルキン酸エステルを製造するために、一般式（ＩＩ）：Ｒ 1 −Ｏ−ＣＯ−Ｃｌ（ＩＩ）のクロロホルミエートと一般式（ＩＩＩ）：Ｒ 2 −Ｃ≡Ｃ−Ｈ（ＩＩＩ）のアルキンとを反応させる場合に、触媒としてのホスフィンリガンド及び／又はホスファイトリガンドを有するＰｔ−及び／又はＰｄ−錯体の存在下に操作する。
Patent JP-2001524823-A (JP)
Title: 導入遺伝子の持続性増進を容易にすることができる新規なアデノウイルス・ベクター
IPC: C12N15/09
Filed: 1998-04-14
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本発明は、細胞にベクターによって送り込まれる導入遺伝子の持続性発現を促進することができる、新規な導入遺伝子に関する。このベクターは発現制御配列、好ましくはＣＭＶプロモーターに機能的に結合した導入遺伝子を含有するＥ１／部分的Ｅ３欠失ベクターである。本発明はまた、本発明のアデノウイルス・ベクターを含む組成物と、この組成物の投与によって個体の細胞に導入遺伝子を持続発現させる方法にも関する。
Patent JP-2001517951-A (JP)
Title: 増大された穀粒油濃度を有するトウモロコシの同定および育種方法
IPC: C12Q1/68
Filed: 1998-03-19
Abstract: (57)【要約】
高油トウモロコシ生殖質を用いる育種方法が開示される。当該方法は穀粒油濃度を制御する形質遺伝子座に関連する遺伝標識形質の使用を必要とする。これらの遺伝標識形質は育種集団で穀粒油濃度について選抜するのに使用される。おそらく、優れた子孫を生産する遺伝標識形質を使用する相補的な油の親供給源の選抜方法もまた開示される。トウモロコシの穀粒油濃度を制御する形質遺伝子座もまた開示される。
Patent JP-2000511616-A (JP)
Title: 電磁作動弁
IPC: F02M61/16
Filed: 1998-01-09
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本発明は、少なくとも１つの可動磁極子（１７）と球形の弁閉鎖体（１８）とから成る軸方向に可動の弁ニードル（１３）を備えた電磁作動弁に関する。前記可動磁極子（１７）は、下流側終端域（４６）でもって前記弁閉鎖体（１８）を受容する閉鎖体ホルダーを形成している。しかも本発明では前記下流側終端域（４６）は、前記可動磁極子（１７）の縦方向内孔（２３）と直接連通する少なくとも１つの通路（４９）を前記弁閉鎖体（１８）の表面に沿って形成するように、前記弁閉鎖体（１８）を抱き締めている。本発明の電磁作動弁は、混合気圧縮型火花点火式内燃機関で使用するために特に適している。
Patent JP-2001526822-A (JP)
Title: プラズマディスプレイ装置
IPC: H01J11/38
Filed: 1998-04-24
Abstract: (57)【要約】
全面に延びてコアに結合された誘電体材料（６１４）層を有する金属コア（６１２）の背面パネル（６１０）から離間した透明な前面パネル（６２２）を有するプラズマディスプレイ。背面パネルの誘電体層中に埋め込まれ又は表面上導体上に電極（６２０）がにある。背面パネルの材料は、前面パネルと適合する熱膨張係数を有する背面パネルを形成するように選ばれる。誘電体材料は、コアに結合されてコアを有する背面パネル形成のために共に焼成されるグリーンセラミックテープから作られる。バリヤリブ（６１６）は、結合されたアセンブリを共に焼成する前にグリーンテープをけがくか又はエンボスして背面パネル上に形成される。前面及び背面パネルのＴＣＥの微差は、フリットシールプロセス中に高ＴＣＥを有するパネルより熱い温度に、低ＴＣＥを有するパネルを加熱することによって補われる可能性がある。代替えで、誘電体（６１４）材料は、共に焼成されたアセンブリ（６１０）の合成ＴＣＥが前面パネルのＴＣＥと一致するように選ばれることができる。
Patent JP-2002501503-A (JP)
Title: 抗血栓症剤
IPC: A61K31/4166
Filed: 1998-04-30
Abstract: (57)【要約】
本出願は、本明細書中に定義する式（Ｉ）で示される新規化合物（およびその医薬的に許容される塩）、それらを製造するための製法および中間体、式（Ｉ）で示される新規化合物を含む医薬製剤、および本明細書中に定義する式（Ｉ）で示される化合物のトロンビン阻害剤としての使用に関する。
Patent MX-155189-A (MX)
Inventor: WOLFGANG RADTKE
IPC: E04B5/48
Filed: 1982-02-03
Abstract: A cavity floor is formed by placing on a structural floor bottom a flexible floor mold which has leg forming portions arranged in an array with generally planar portions extending between and surrounding the leg forming portions. A flowable substance is applied over the mold, which subsequently hardens to form an upper floor having a plurality of legs defined by the leg forming portions, with a cavity region therebetween. The planar portions of the flexible floor mold permit adjacent leg forming portions each separately to contact the floor bottom under the weight of the applied flowable substance, even if the floor bottom is uneven.
Patent NZ-202325-A (NZ)
Title: Pyridazinones and plant-protecting fungicides
Inventor: RICHARZ W
IPC: C07D237/18
Filed: 1982-10-29
Abstract: Pyridazinone derivatives of the formula    <IMAGE>  (I)  where R1 is alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl, R2 is chlorine or bromine, R3 is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl and X is SO or SO2, with the proviso that R1 is not methyl when X is SO2, R2 is chlorine and R3 is phenyl, and fungicides containing these compounds.
Patent NZ-221882-A (NZ)
Title: Water-developable photosensitive resin compositions; relief plates therefrom and methods of use
Inventor: KATSUKIYO ISHIKAWA
IPC: G03F7/033
Filed: 1987-09-22
Abstract: A water-developable photosensitive resin plate suitable for the manufacture of a relief printing plate having high resistance to water-based inks, high resilience and excellent form stability, which comprises:   (A) a copolymer comprising units of (i) an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer (ii) an  alpha ,  beta -ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and (iii) a polyfunctional vinyl monomer, optionally with (iv) a monofunctional vinyl monomer, the content of the aliphatic conjugated diene monomer (i), the  alpha ,  beta -ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid (ii), the polyfunctional vinyl monomer (iii) and the monofunctional vinyl monomer (iv) being respectively from about 5 to 95 mol %, from about 1 to 30 mol %, from about 0.1 to 10 mol% and 0 to 70 mol% based on the combination of those monomeric components;   (B) a basic nitrogen atom-containing compound;   (C) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and   (D) a photopolymerization initiator. m
Patent NZ-228940-A (NZ)
Title: Sliding door track assembly
Inventor: RIBAUDO NICKOLAS
IPC: E05D15/06
Filed: 1989-05-01
Abstract: A sliding door assembly comprising a door hanger(120), a hanger sheave (130), an upthrust roller (140) and a track (150), wherein the hanger sheave assembly and the uptrust roller are rotatably mounted on the door hanger. The track provides a first rolling surface (151) for the hanger sheave and a second rolling surface (152A, 152B) for the upthrust roller. The track also preferably captures the upthrust roller thereby preventing the assembly from leaving the track.
Patent NZ-230504-A (NZ)
Title: Ion exchange resins and preparation thereof
Inventor: FRIES WILLIAM
IPC: B01J39/20
Filed: 1989-08-31
Abstract: Ion exchange resin particles bearing ion exchange groups only in the most accessible portions of the particles possess kinetic advantages over fully functionalized resins in continuous-flow treatment of fluids. The ion exchange resin particles comprise crosslinked copolymer in which from 68% to 98% of the available functionalizable sites are functionalized with ion exchange functional groups, and the remaining, unfunctionalized, available functionalizable sites are those sites least accessible to diffusion, and wherein the ion exchange functional groups are other than strong acid cation exchange functional groups.
Patent NZ-241793-A (NZ)
Title: Toothbrush with non-pinching resilient twin beam structure in handle
Inventor: DIRKSING ROBERT STANLEY
IPC: A46B5/00
Filed: 1992-02-28
Abstract: A toothbrush employing a non-pinching resilient twin beam structure to connect the brush handle to the brush head, the twin beam structure having one beam which is wider in cross-sectional width than the other beam in order to prevent soft oral tissue from entering the opening formed between the beams and being pinched between by the interior surfaces of the beams during deformation of the twin beam structure.
Patent NZ-245298-A (NZ)
Title: Preparation of a controlled release formulation by coating a substrate with an aqueous dispersion of plasticised acrylic polymer and then curing the coating
Inventor: OSHLACK BENJAMIN
IPC: A61K9/22
Filed: 1992-11-27
Abstract: A stabilized solid controlled release dosage form having a coating derived from an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic polymer is obtained by overcoating a substrate including a therapeutically active with an aqueous dispersion of the plasticized acrylic polymer and then curing the coated substrate at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the plasticized acrylic polymer, until the coated dosage form attains a stabilized dissolution profile substantially unaffected by exposure to storage conditions of elevated temperature and/or elevated relative humidity.
Patent NZ-245461-A (NZ)
Title: Pneumatic elevator operated by applying vacuum to move car
Inventor: SORS CARLOS ALBERTO
IPC: B66B9/04
Filed: 1992-12-14
Abstract: Pneumatic vacuum lift elevator, in which the vertical shaft is a tube with smooth interior surface, preferably cylindrical, with straight axle, and the transport cab or vehicle moving inside such tube is a piston with vertical movement, with minimum play inside the tube, equipped with air suction devices at the upper end of the tube, capable of causing a sufficient pressure differential to displace such piston in controlled ascending and descending movement; completed with an air entry or intake in the lower end of the tube, and the access doors with which the tube is equipped, and which are hermetically closed on the various stopping levels. <IMAGE>
Patent NZ-252019-A (NZ)
Title: Freestanding plastics container; details regarding footed base
Inventor: KRISHNAKUMAR SUPPAYAN MANICKAM
IPC: B65D1/02
Filed: 1993-04-07
Abstract: A freestanding container base having an improved combination of properties in regard to creep resistance, stress crack resistance, impact strength, weight, standing stability and formability. The container base has a substantially hemispherical bottom wall which includes four radiating ribs, and four legs extending downwardly from the bottom wall between the ribs and each of which terminates in a foot. Each rib has a rib wall forming part of the substantially hemispherical bottom wall and having an angular extent of from about 15 DEG  to about 30 DEG  for enhanced strength, with the leg occupying the remaining 75 DEG  to 60 DEG  angular extent for enhanced formability. The outer edge and angular extent of the foot are predetermined for enhanced stability and ease of formability. Preferably, the creep resistance is further enhanced by straightening the upper rib portion or providing an enlarged-diameter truncated bottom wall. The base is particularly suited for a blown PET carbonated beverage bottle.
Patent NZ-262030-A (NZ)
Title: Process for preparing a taxol intermediate
Inventor: SWINDELL CHARLES
IPC: C07C271/06
Filed: 1994-02-04
Abstract: An efficient protocol for the synthesis of taxol, taxol analogs, and their intermediates is described. The process includes the attachment of the taxol A-ring side chain to baccatin III and for the synthesis of taxol and taxol analogs with variable A-ring side chain structures. A rapid and highly efficient esterification of O-protected isoserine and 3-phenylisoserine acids having N-benzyoloxycarbonyl groups to the C-13 hydroxyl of 7-O-protected baccatin III is followed by a deprotection-acylation sequence to make taxol, calphalomanninne and various analogs, including photoaffinity labeling candidates.
Patent NZ-272821-A (NZ)
Title: Cutter for elastomeric material having wire between rocking arms with cutter moving transversely across material
Inventor: BECKER MICHAEL LEE
IPC: B23D57/00
Filed: 1995-08-21
Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for cutting an elongated body of elastomeric material includes a tensioned wire (12) which is oscillated in a generally up and down motion while traversing through the elastomeric material. The wire acts as a cutting blade and prepares the cut surface of the elastomeric material to improve splices. The wire (12) is suspended between a pair of pivotally mounted arms (42,48) so that the wire oscillates as the arms are rocked by an eccentric (60) mounted to a rotating shaft. The cutter wire (12) passes through the body of elastomeric material at an angle (WA) relative to the plane (P) in which the body of elastomeric material lies. The body of elastomeric material is secured in place by clamp segments (100) which conform themselves to the cross-sectional shape of the body. The cutter wire (12) is traversed through the elastomeric material on a cutter frame (52) which is moved by a ball screw (74) driven by a variable speed electric motor (78). <IMAGE>
Patent NZ-331052-A (NZ)
Title: Pyrazole-4-yl-hetaroyl derivatives as herbicides
Inventor: OTTEN MARTINA
IPC: C07D411/06
Filed: 1997-02-20
Abstract: The invention concerns pyrazolylhetaroyl derivatives of formula (I) in which the substituents have the following meanings: L, M are hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkinyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, wherein these groups can optionally be substituted by between one and five halogen atoms or C1-C4 alkoxy; halogen, cyano, nitro; X is oxygen or sulphur which can be substituted by one or two oxygens; n is zero, one, two; and Q, R1, R2, R3, R4 have the meanings given in claim 1. The invention further concerns a process for preparing the pyrazole-4-yl-hetaroyl derivatives, agents containing the latter, and the use of these derivatives or agents containing them for weed control
Patent NZ-333380-A (NZ)
Title: 6-O-methylerythromycin A crystal form I (clarithromycin) and preparation thereof
Inventor: LIU JIH-HUA
IPC: A61P31/04
Filed: 1997-07-25
Abstract: he application concerns the antiobiotic 6-O-methylerythromycin A crystal Form I, a process for its preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising this compound and a method of use as a therapeutic agent.
Patent NZ-335863-A (NZ)
Title: Apparatus and method for conducting assays such as blood screening
Inventor: GORDON JOHN FRANCIS
IPC: G01N33/53
Filed: 1997-10-08
Abstract: A multi-well assay plate structure (54) and assay apparatus and a method for performing chemical biochemical assays is described. The multi-well assay plate structure (54) defines a shallow enclosed space (71) above a plurality of wells (76).  The enclosed space (71) has an inlet (72) and an outlet (22) separate from the inlet. Fluid introduced via the inlet (72) flows into the space (71) and/or wells (76) by displacing air. Withdrawal of the fluid via the inlet (72) or outlet leaves fluid in the wells (76) allowing various tests to be performed.  The preferred arrangement embodies the structure on a transparent plastic disk which can be used with automatic fluid handling apparatus (80) and the results assessed using optical assessment apparatus (81). The apparatus can be used to perform a variety of assays but, in particular, biochemical/chemical assay, immunoassays and genetic (DNA) assays and it can be used in a laboratory for multiple sample testing or at a point-of-care, i.e. in a surgery or clinic.
Patent NZ-500439-A (NZ)
Title: Kappa agonist compounds, pharmaceutical formulations and method of prevention and treatment of pruritus therewith
Inventor: CHANG AH-CHIH
IPC: C07D209/18
Filed: 1998-06-19
Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), (II), (III) and (IV) having kappa opioid agonist activity, compositions containing them and the method of using them as analgesics and anti-pruritic agents.
Patent NZ-500975-A (NZ)
Title: Blade sharpener with release device to unlock restraining mechanism and permit withdrawal of knife
Inventor: STOKES ANDREW JOHN
IPC: B26B29/02
Filed: 1999-11-10
Abstract: Restraining device 16 prevents blade withdrawal from the sharpener housing.  Locking member 40 normally locks restraining device 16 but when moved from left to right as shown (by a lever, not shown but at the closed left end of the housing) is unlocked to allow blade withdrawal.
Patent NZ-501669-A (NZ)
Title: Dimethylformamide and other polar compounds for the treatment of wasting syndrome and HIV infections
Inventor: VISSER MICHELLE OLGA PATRICIA
IPC: A61K9/70
Filed: 1998-06-09
Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery device is provided for delivering a therapeutic composition comprising dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylformamide (HMMF), N-hydroxymethylformamide (HMF), dihydroxymethylformamide (DHMF), N-acetyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoyl) cysteine (AMCC) or pyridine N-oxide. The composition may be used to treat wasting syndrome, and viral or microbial infections, such as HIV.
Patent NZ-502919-A (NZ)
Title: Temperature-controlled pH-dependant formation of ionic polysaccharide gels containing chitosan or a derivative and a salt of a polyol or sugar
Inventor: CHENITE ABDELLATIF
IPC: A61K47/36
Filed: 1998-04-06
Abstract: A polysaccharide based gel comprises 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of chitosan or a derivative thereof and 1.0 to 20 % by weight of a mono-phosphate dibasic salt, mono-sulphate salt or a mono-carboxylic acid salt of polyol or sugar wherein the gel is induced and stable within a temperature range of 20 to 70oC and is adapted to be formed and/or gelated in situ within a tissue, organ or cavity of an animal or human.
Patent NZ-504894-A (NZ)
Title: Crystalline vaccine and adjuvant compositions jointly and separately administered to animals using a transdermal or transmucosally delivery technique
Inventor: SWAIN WILLIAM F
IPC: A61P31/04
Filed: 1998-12-02
Abstract: A method for enhancing the immune response to a selected antigen is disclosed.  The method entails delivering a particulate adjuvant composition transdermally, preferably using a needleless syringe system.  Also described are methods for forming crystalline particles from pharmaceutical compositions and then delivering the same to a subject.  The crystallized compositions are particularly suitable for transdermal vaccine delivery using a needleless syringe system.
Patent NZ-504949-A (NZ)
Title: Stitchless seam construction of elastomeric fabric with interengaging end profiles of fabric being adhered
Inventor: HUBER RICHARD
IPC: A41D27/06
Filed: 1999-10-05
Abstract: A method for providing a stitch-less seam (14) between two pieces of elastomeric fabric (10, 12), comprising the steps of: (a) Cutting a first piece of elastomeric fabric to form a first edge having a predetermined first pattern; (b) Cutting a second piece of elastomeric fabric to form a second edge having a predetermined second pattern which corresponds with the first pattern; (c) Applying a bonding agent to the first and second patterned edges; (d) Mating the first patterned edge with the second patterned edge to create a seam between the first and second pieces of elastomeric fabric; and (e) Immobilising the seam until the bonding agent has had opportunity to set.
Patent NZ-510851-A (NZ)
Title: Mounting of multi-position point of use electric water heater
Inventor: BOROS JOZEF
IPC: H05B3/78
Filed: 2000-11-06
Abstract: A point-of-use electric water heater is provided with a unique configuration permitting it to be selectively used in a wall or ceiling-mounted horizontal orientation, a floor or wall-supported vertical orientation, or a wall-supported inverted vertical orientation without any substantial modification of the water heater.  This advantageously avoids the previous necessity of manufacturing differently configured water heaters for mounting in these various operational orientations. Specially designed mounting brackets are provided to support the water heater in any of its wall or ceiling-mounted orientations. In one embodiment of the water heater, a dual element electric resistance type immersion heater is provided with an integral temperature control structure illustratively in the form of a separate sensing tube having operatively mounted therein a pair of thermistors each operatively associated with a different one of the two heating elements.
Patent NZ-511597-A (NZ)
Title: Bone implant
Inventor: CARMICHAEL ROBERT P
IPC: A61B17/66
Filed: 1999-10-07
Abstract: An assembly of components for implantation into the bone of a mammal for use in distraction osteogenesis.  The assembly comprises a fixture (12), a footing (16) and a distracter (18), the fixture including a longitudinally extending body portion with a proximal end and a distal end, the body portion having an exterior surface adapted for contact and integration with bone tissue, the body portion having a generally longitudinally extending bore (40) extending from a proximal opening (42) adjacent the proximal end to a distal opening adjacent the distal end.  The footing includes a proximal surface and a distal surface. The distracter comprises a generally rod-shaped body including a distal end and a proximal end, and the proximal end of the distracter is adapted to bear against the footing. There are first and second engaging means on the fixture and the distracter respectively for adjustably locating the fixture relative to the distracter.
Patent NZ-511872-A (NZ)
Title: Plasma generator
Inventor: MANZ ANDREAS
IPC: H05H1/24
Filed: 1999-11-23
Abstract: A  microfabricated  gas  discharge  and  a  method  of generating  a  plasma,  the plasma  generator  comprising  a substrate  chip (2) a chamber (3) defined by  the  substrate chip  the  chamber  including an inlet  port  (23),  through which  an  analyte is in use delivered, an outlet port  (25) and  a plasma-generation region in which a plasma is in  use generated;  and  first and second electrodes (30,32)  across which  a  voltage is in use applied to generate a plasma  in the  plasma-generation region. The emission spectrum of  the analyte  can then be measured by means of a photomultiplier, coupled to the chamber by a fibre bundle, or by means  of  a set  of  photodiodes/filters. Alternatively, the  absorption or  fluorescence properties of the spectrum can be measured. A  sensor  may additionally measure the plasma pressure  and circuitry  may  measure  the  voltage  and  current  of  the plasma.  Alternative  constructions  of  the  generator  are described, some of which use liquid electrode(s).
Patent NZ-514329-A (NZ)
Title: Polynucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences from stromal cells
Inventor: STRACHAN LORNA
IPC: A61K48/00
Filed: 2000-02-18
Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides expressed in mammalian fsn -/- lymph node stromal cells are provided, together with expression vectors and host cells comprising such isolated polynucleotides. Methods for the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.
Patent NZ-517995-A (NZ)
Title: Laryngeal mask with large-bore gastric drainage
Inventor: BRAIN ARCHIBALD IAN JEREMY
IPC: A61M16/04
Filed: 2000-10-09
Abstract: An artificial airway device for use in unconscious patients comprises a laryngo-pharyngeal mask including a roughly elliptical expandable masking ring, the expandable mask sealingly surrounding the laryngeal inlet when expanded to obstruct communication between the laryngeal inlet and oesophagus. One or more airway tubes (125, 127) connected to the mask provide for fluid flow to a portion of the mask facing the laryngeal inlet when the mask sealingly surrounds the laryngeal inlet. A gastro-tube connected to the mask is bonded along most of its length to the airway tube(s) and provides a fluid flow-path to the surface of the mask facing the oesophagus when the mask sealingly surrounds the laryngeal inlet. The cross-section area of the gastro-tube is at least as great as that of the airway tube(s). The distal end of the gastro tube passes through the masking ring at its narrower distal region (62) where, when installed in a patient, it abuts the oesophagus; and the distal portion (80) of the gastro-tube flattens when the mask is deflated to facilitate smooth passage behind the larynx during insertion through the patient's airway (22).